Friday, December 15, 2006

Happy Hanukkah!

Four years ago at this time, I was living in a residence building on the grounds of Carleton University. It was my first Hanukkah away from home. I wanted to celebrate, but residents were not allowed to light candles in the building. Like the film Collateral, I had to adapt, change, improvise and roll with it.

I'm not sure who suggested the idea. I simply took a piece of paper and drew a monarah. Then, I took an orange marker and drew the shamesh candle as well as the first candle. Each night before dinner, I would say a little prayer and draw on a new candle. It might not have been the proper way to celebrate the holiday, but I felt pretty good about what I had done.

I am not a religious person. However, there are certain things I have to do.